Tag Archives: news

Mondo TV to make new waves in the US with Genius Brands’ Kartoon Channel

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The European animated content distributor, Mondo TV is preparing to make new waves in the US when it launches its children’s animated comedy series, Invention Story, to the AVOD/SVOD market via Genius Brands International’s own Kartoon Channel.

The series will land on the channel this autumn. Kartoon Channel is distributed across major cable and satellite providers, as well as OTT platforms across the US. The channel is available 24/7 on a variety of platforms in the region, including Apple TV devices, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku Devices, and more with further platforms rolling out in the coming months.

Kartoon Channel prides itself on a roster of content that is ‘smart and safe’ for children. It boasts that all ‘programmes are carefully curates to not only be entertaining and enriching, but also to ensure there is no violence, negative stereotypes or inappropriate language.’ It also promises content that receives no ‘excessive commercialisation.’

Meanwhile, Invention Story follows the tale of Kit, an intelligent, thoughtful and creative fox who – in each episode – comes up with a new invention. The series has already launched in Italy, Russia, Hungary and China. It is also on Kidoodle.TV, a hybrid AVOD / SVOD channel, which has launched in all countries worldwide except China.

In the US, Hispanic pay TV leader Vme Media is distributing the show on English-language network Primo TV later this year. 

Luana Perrero, Mondo TV’s head of content sales, said: “The launch of Invention Story on an innovative new free digital service that can reach just about every family in the whole US, is a cause for celebration. The arrival of Invention Story on Kartoon Channel! is an important strategic step for one of Mondo TV’s fastest-growing properties and we’re delighted to be working with Genius Brands on bringing this funny, smart and highly original new show to the vast US audience.”

Industry trio forge new art, culture, and science focused business ARTiSTORY

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Licensing industry specialists Dave Collins, Tamara Dixon, and Natasha Dyson have united their expertise and combined experience to launch the new licensing business venture ARTiSTORY, a new unit focused on developing content in the art, culture, and science sectors.

ARTiSTORY will aim to translate objects or artistic, cultural and scientific significance into usable assets for the consumers of today, doing so through its three key areas of business: IP asset development, IP licensing, and content development.

The founder trio are each experts in their respective fields and the new venture will see Collins take on the role of co-founder and commercial director, Dixon as co-founder and creative director, and Dyson as co-founder and licensing director.

By tapping into treasured collections at world’s top museums and heritage institutions, ARTiSTORY creates annually refreshed trends, themes and original design assets including illustrations, prints & patterns, which in turn, can be applied onto product and packaging design.  

ARTiSTORY licenses these design assets to consumer brands and retailers and assist them to introduce compelling products, engage shoppers via digital marketing and offer immersive shopping experiences. Each product comes with a unique story that consumer brands and retailers can attract more shoppers by leveraging the power of storytelling.  

“Storytelling is central to human existence. That it’s common to every known culture and research shows that messages delivered as stories can be up to 22 times more memorable than just facts. Storytelling is the future of marketing and there are no better ingredients than art and culture which transcend time and geographic barriers,” read a statement from the new business.    

“By working with ARTiSTORY, consumer brands, manufacturers and retailers will acquire new customers more effectively, both through their online and offline stores, turning shoppers into your loyal fans while providing them with unique shopping experience.”

The team at ARTiSTORY are pioneers in art and culture IP licensing with track records working with the Natural History Museum, British Museum, the MET, V&A and many world’s top retailers and consumer brands such as Uniqlo, Amazon, Max Factors and Nestle etc.  

“We are constantly looking to partner with new IP in the art, culture and science sector. We serve as a creative design studio, act as a joint licensor and roll out design led licensing programmes across Europe and North America,” said ARTiSTORY.  

ARTiSTORY will work from a design led studio in London and a sales office in Barcelona.

Contact: Natasha Dyson on natasha@artistorybrands.net +44 7855 858711.

www.artistroybrands.net

Nintendo partners with Velan Studios to bring mixed reality gaming experience to Mario Kart

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Nintendo has partnered with the tech specialist Velan Studios to launch a new Mario Kart mixed reality experience that will turn a player’s home into a Mario Kart racecourse to be traversed in both the physical and virtual worlds.

Called Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, the new mixed reality game is launching to the Nintendo Switch next month and combines a camera-enabled physical ,’remote controlled’ Mario Kart and course gate markers that together will turn any living space into a Mario Kart circuit. Players can design and construct courses in the real world, before racing the circuit in a mixed reality experience.

“We are thrilled to partner with Velan Studios for Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit,” said Tom Prata, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of strategic initiatives. “Through this collaboration, we are providing fans with a one of a kind, interactive experience that is only available on the Nintendo Switch family of systems.”

The system will allow Nintendo Switch users to set out a course in the real world, using the game’s physical Gate markers. They can then ‘remotely control’ their physical Mario Kart around the course. Each Kart features its own camera that will translate the course setting and physical surroundings onto the player’s screen – either their Switch screen or connected TV – where the Mario Kart experience will be made complete with the addition of the high-octane action and in-game brawling.

Velan Studios is building on the legacy of its founders Karthik and Guha Bala and their core team, renowned for their innovations in fusing toys with interactive game experiences.

“Our mission at Velan is to create breakthrough games that are magic,” said Karthik Bala, CEO, Velan Studios. “We invented the initial mixed reality hardware and game prototype to really nail the exhilaration of racing in the real world with the play and feel of a video game.

“We showed the experience to Nintendo and were thrilled they saw its potential. That started a wonderful multi-year creative collaboration, which became Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. We can’t wait to see the creative ways fans play when they race around their own creations as Mario and Luigi.”

To learn more about Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, visit https://www.nintendo.com/. The game will be released by Nintendo worldwide on October 16, 2020.

Pocket.watch taps Vivid to bring YouTube sensation Love, Diana toys and more to the UK

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Vivid has partnered with the licensing and merchandising specialist, pocket.watch for the launch of a new toy line inspired by the latest YouTube sensation, Kids Diana Show. According to Tubefilter, the channel totals 5bn views a month across the globe.

To support the global launch of the Kids Diana Show merchandise, pocket.watch has produced 40 episodes of Love, Diana – a live-action and animated hybrid series with stories focusing on positive lessons about friendship, family, creativity, and the power of play.

“We are delighted to be partnering with pocket.watch again and start such an exciting journey to entertain and inspire girls with Love, Diana,” said Nick Thomas, general manager of Vivid. “Ryan’s world proved that you can disrupt the traditional toy sector because children relate to and admire their YouTube superstars and want to play with their toys.

“Ryan remains in the UK NPD charts in the top ten fastest growing new properties. We are all looking forward to replicating this success with exciting and innovative Diana products.”

Working with lead partners Far Out Toys (collectables), Jerry Leigh (dress-up), Taste Beauty (bath and beauty), Headstart (dolls, doll accessories and styling heads), and HiJinx (plush), Vivid will be distributing a wide range across different product categories, price points and play experiences to allow young girls to interact, role play.

Stone Newman, CRO, pocket.watch, added: “Pocket.watch is thrilled to continue our relationship with partners like Vivid to bring Love, Diana to expand the reach of the Love, Diana franchise and to deliver fun and inspiration to young girls on a global scale.”

WildBrain Spark teams with Funrise Toys to develop online content for its collectable doll brand BFF Bright Fairy Friends

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WildBrain Spark has inked a deal with Funrise Toys to support the launch of its collectable doll brand BFF Bright Fairy Friends with a digital-first content strategy. UNder the partnership, WildBrain Spark will produce over 100 minutes of short-form animated and live action digital content for the brand on YouTube.

The digital specialist is also executing a paid media campaign and handling channel management across the global English-language channel, which has already received over 1.4M views and 1.6M minutes of watch time. On top of this, it will utilise its AI tools to inform the Bright Fairy Friends content, distribution, and paid media targeting.

Online unboxing videos of Funrise Toys’ BFF Bright Fairy Friends collectables have already gained early traction on YouTube since launching in early August 2020. BFF Bright Fairy Friends existing videos have been viewed over 1M times.

Jon Gisby, EVP and managing director at WildBrain Spark, said: “We are proud to partner with innovative toy companies as they develop bold digital-first strategies to launch and create demand for their IP, so we’re very excited to be teaming up with Funrise Toys to support their magical new BFF Bright Fairy Friends brand.

“The content we are creating showcases the brand’s strengths as a fun, dynamic and aspirational property, and we’re sure it will capture the imaginations of kids and families internationally.”

Stephanie Simpson Bughi, vice president global brand marketing at Funrise, added: “We are thrilled to bring the magical world of BFF Bright Fairy Friends to life with engaging and inspiring animated content. We know kids and parents are looking for quality content, and the magical BFF fairies will spark imaginations as they teach kids to shine together as friends.”

The new digital-first content includes 2D animated episodes, character introductions and toy play videos which also feature a bespoke theme tune created by WildBrain Spark. The animated series has begun rolling out on the BFF Bright Fairy Friends YouTube channel this month and will be followed by toy play content in Autumn 2020.

The new line of products features 12 stylish characters, each with their own four surprise accessories perfect for trading and collecting. Each come housed in their own fairy home with motion activated twinkle lights as well as light up fairy wings. The BFF dolls are available now in the US online and in stores at Walmart, Target and Amazon.

The range will launch in the United Kingdom and globally with various retail partners beginning this month.

ViacomCBS Consumer Products brings yoga and an MTV workout to Festival of Licensing’s Community & Wellbeing programme

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If you thought that the all-virtual nature of this year’s Festival of Licensing meant simply sitting in front of a computer screen, you’d better think again, because ViacomCBS  – sponsors of the event’s Community and Wellbeing programme – is challenging you to don the yoga pants, dig-out the neon headbands, and take a break from the serious stuff with its most iconic brands.

This October will see ViacomCBS Consumer Products swap the usual networking session for a perhaps more cathartic programme of three complementary sessions when Festival of Licensing kicks off its four-week run, delivering a Family Friendly Dance and Yoga session that will draw from its library of Nick Jr. exercise videos, encouraging festival goers to take a break from business and have fun and exercise with the kids.

If you’re in need of something a little more high-energy however, the firm is also hosting a Retro Workout Class, featuring iconic MTV products in a workout class complete with an MTV soundtrack taken straight from the ’80s and ’90s. ViacomCBS will round it all off with a special self care session directly from the ViacomCBS Wellness studio itself.

On top of all of this, the programme will also feature Business mentoring and advice clinics in which festival goers can take advantage of the advice clinics offering legal, financial, and career advice, as well as speed networking sessions for those looking for new job opportunities.

The programme will be concluded with the Global charity fundraiser in support of The Light Fund, Magic Wheelchair, and Licensing International Small Business Global Grants Fund.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside ViacomCBS to bring valuable – and much needed – community and wellbeing content to Festival of Licensing attendees from all the over the world,” said Anna Knight, VP Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. 

“Surviving through Covid has been incredibly challenging for many – whether financially, physically or emotionally – and it’s important that Festival both acknowledges this and provides meaningful support where we can.”

Festival of Licensing runs online from 6-29 October 2020. Brands who are interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities should visit www.festivaloflicensing.com. Free visitor registration is also open at www.festivaloflicensing.com.

Finsbury Food Group and Diageo launch new Baileys Marbled Celebration Cake with more to come for 2021

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Cake manufacturer Finsbury Food Group and Diageo are strengthening their successful partnership by introducing the Baileys Marbled Celebration Cake to its growing Baileys range. Featuring traditional Baileys-infused frosting, the cake is on sale from September in Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury and Tesco.

Since 2018, Finsbury Food Group has been working closely with Diageo on its Baileys and Guinness brands to introduce the first range of adults-only cakes to supermarket shelves.

Successfully launching the Baileys Freakshake Cake, Baileys Chocolate Yule Log, Bailey’s Salted Caramel Cupcakes and most recently, the Wimbledon inspired Baileys Strawberries and Cream Cake, Finsbury has now created a cutting edge product that celebrates the signature flavourings of Baileys, teamed with the new, trending, marble technique.

Jack Cook-Broussine, brand manager for Finsbury Food Group, said: “As our Baileys range continues to do so well, demonstrated by the retailers’ response, we’re keen to continue working hard, creating delicious cutting-edge cakes that deliver something different to the cake fixture.

“As the autumn months approach, we want to give consumers a product that echoes current trends in the baking industry, at ease. Think, sat by the fire on a drizzly day with a piping hot cup of tea and slice of Baileys Marbled Cake. We see huge opportunities to build on the momentum of the range and continue to add more exciting SKUs in the future.”

Declan Hassett, senior licensing manager at Diageo, added: “We continue to work with Finsbury developing the ongoing success of the range. The marble effect is something we’ve wanted to put our Baileys stamp on for a while, we’ve been working hard to stay ahead of the curve and achieve the most beautiful design that still has that delicious, mouth-watering, signature Baileys taste, well loved by many.

“We have already enjoyed great success with Finsbury and our range of Baileys-infused cakes, and we have no doubt this is going to be one to be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”

The full range of Baileys cakes includes: Baileys Hot Chocolate Freakshake Cake, Baileys Chocolate Yule Log, Baileys Salted Caramel Cupcakes and Bailey Strawberries and Cream cake. New additions to the range are planned for 2021.

Jazwares met with ‘incredible demand’ for CoComelon debut toy line

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Jazwares has been met with ‘incredible demand’ for its CoComelon toy line, range of plush, vehicles, figurines, and role play toys that made its debut at retail this year and marks the first toy launch for the popular pre-school 3D animated series. The toy firm has stated that it is already working with retailers to replenish stock.

Developed in partnership with Moonbug, the debut toy line features characters and items from the CoComelon series. Now available on Netflix and YouTube, CoComelon is the number one most watched channel on YouTube with over 3.5 billion monthly views.

The debut toy range from Jazwares includes the Musical Yellow School Bus, the Musical Bedtime JJ Doll, the Musical doctor Checkup Set, the Family & Friends Six Packs, and an array of Mini Vehicles.

“CoComelon has captivated millions of families around the world with its relatable, entertaining and educational programming. We’re excited to bring families new ways to play and learn together with their favorite characters this holiday season,” said Andy Yeatman, head of the Americas, Moonbug.

In addition to helping pre-schoolers learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors, and more, the upbeat videos gently impart positive, prosocial life lessons, providing parents with an opportunity to teach and play with their children as they watch together.

“CoComelon has quickly become one of the most parent / child co-viewed brands in the world, and joyful preschoolers will be thrilled to celebrate this beloved content in toy form,” said Jeremy Padawer, EVP at Jazwares. “As a result of this significant viewership, combined with quality, musical content focused on little JJ, his family and friends, we are already seeing incredible demand for CoComelon.”

Acamar Films launches its Bing: Watch, Play, Learn app to Italy and Poland

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Acamar Films has now successfully launched its all-in-one freemium app, Bing: Watch, Play, Learn to the Italian and Polish markets. It follows the initial launch of the app to the UK last year and highlights the growing might of the IP across the European region.

The app offers child-friendly on-demand viewing of Bing episodes alongside a suite of learning games and activities all designed to help Bingsters develop their creativity, imagination and motor skills. Bing: Watch, Play, Learn has – to date – been downloaded over 400,000 times in the UK.

At its launch in September 2019, the UK app exclusively premiered the latest Bing series, ahead of its BBC broadcast – helping to drive over 100,000 downloads in the first eight weeks alone. Every single episode of Bing (104 in total) is now available to paid subscribers of the app – with a handful of episodes and games offered to free users.

In Italy, Bing: Guarda, Gioca, Impara launched on June 24, while Bing: Oglądaj, baw się i ucz’s official reveal is today. Ad-free, safe and secure for little ones, these localised apps each feature a free version including the top episodes chosen by fans in their country via Bing Facebook, plus complimentary learning games.

Over 80 videos including full episodes and 20 games are available for an annual fee (€4.99 pa / PL21.99 pa), with more content set to be added post-launch. Both free-to-download apps are available from Apple and Google Play app stores, plus the Amazon app store for Italy.

Claire Brossard, Acamar’s director of digital product, said: “We have been thrilled with the exceptional response to Bing: Watch, Play, Learn since it launched in the UK, and are delighted to kick-start our international roll-out with launches in Italy and Poland.

“These territories are incredibly successful for us, with strong broadcast ratings, high levels of affinity for Bing, rapidly growing social and digital communities, and hugely popular YouTube channels. Now, with the app – which sits at the centre of our multi-platform approach to building audiences – Bingsters and their families can take Bing with them wherever they go.”

Polish streetwear brand PLNY LALA marks 70 years of Peanuts with new collection

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WildBrain CPLG is marking the 70th anniversary of the Peanuts brand through a new partnership with the Polish streetwear brand, PLNY LALA. Brokered on behalf of Peanuts Worldwide, the deal will see the launch of a range of sweatshirts, t-shirts, dresses, tops, and socks all inspired by Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

The collection has been launched in anticipation of October 2, the official 70th anniversary of the date that Charles M. Schulz first introduced the world to the Peanuts characters when the comic strip made its debut in seven American newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang have gone on to leave an indelible mark on pop culture.

The new PLNY LALA range is part of a global campaign with licensors that will be rolling out from Peanuts Worldwide this autumn.

Tara Botwick, senior director, international territory management, EMEA at Peanuts Worldwide, said: “With a focus on empowering its customer base and taking a fresh, playful approach to its influential collections, we knew that PLNY LALA would be an ideal fashion partner as well as a tentpole licensee as we look to ramp up a wide programme for Peanuts worldwide and across the CEE territories specifically. It’s an exciting collaboration that we feel sets the tone for our ambitions in the region and globally.”

Elisa Minetti, creative director and designer at PLNY LALA, added: “I’m excited to be teaming up with WildBrain CPLG again and this time working with Snoopy and the Peanuts squad. Our collaboration emphasises the global trends that PLNY LALA is at the forefront of in the local Polish market.

“My creative process for the range has involved combining iconic Peanuts cartoon artwork, with streetwear for women who carry an inner girl flame, which has resulted in a collection that is ideal for a feisty LALA girl. This autumn, Peanuts celebrates its 70th anniversary of the first comic strip’s debut. Let’s continue this inspiring journey together.”

Now available to purchase exclusively in PLNY LALA’s stores and online at www.plnylala.pl, the launch is being supported by in-store POS, a dedicated website landing page, social media and influencer product seeding, a look book, and a pop-up store in Warsaw. Items in the collection are priced between 39.00 – 599.00 PLN and are offered in a range of sizes.

The new partnership bolsters existing Peanuts fashion offerings secured by WildBrain CPLG in Central and Eastern Europe, which include: Polish retailer Smyk for a DTR range which is now launching; LPP for teen and adult collections available at Reserved, Reserved Kids, House, Sinsay and Sinsay Kids; and a range from E Plus M which is being focused towards teens and adults.

Beyond fashion, Carbotex will soon launch its first range of Peanuts homewares, and ERT launched a range of mobile accessories earlier this year.